a) The facility
shall have written policy related to the placement of youth in housing units.
The policy shall consider factors including:
1) Age;
2) Gender;
3) History of violent behavior;
4) Level of emotional and cognitive
development;
5) Physical size and
ability;
6) Intellectual or
developmental disability;
7) Mental
health needs or history of trauma;
8) Suicide risk; and
9) Indications of vulnerability or need for
separation from other youth.
b) Detention Rooms
In order to ensure reasonable security, sanitation and personal
comfort, detention rooms shall be designated for single occupancy and provide
at least 80 square feet of floor space.
1) Detention Room Equipment
Each room shall be equipped with the following:
A) A bed that shall be affixed to the floor
of the room. Mattresses with fire retardant treated cotton filling with a flame
retardant, waterproofed, and cotton cover are required;
B) A washbasin with piped hot and cold water.
A supply of disposable drinking cups shall be provided if the washbasin is not
drinking fountain equipped;
C) A
toilet; and
D) A tamperproof light
fixture to ensure a comfortable reading level.
2) Detention Room Level
Detention rooms shall be located above ground level.
c) Living Area
A living area containing no less than 30 square feet per youth
must be provided in conjunction with each cluster of detention rooms.
1) Each living area shall be equipped with
tables and chairs. Seating shall be provided for each youth.
2) Music and television equipment shall be
provided.
3) A cold water drinking
fountain shall be provided.
4)
Shower areas shall be adjacent to sleeping areas. A minimum of one shower head
for every six occupants shall be provided. Water for showers shall be
thermostatically regulated to between 100 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
d) Dangerous Items
Items adaptable for use as a weapon (i.e., plumbing, conduit,
heating equipment, etc.) shall not be accessible to youth.
e) Viewing Devices
There shall be no viewing devices (e.g., peep holes, one-way
vision mirrors) that youth are not aware of.
f) Ventilation
The facility shall be comfortably heated and cooled according
to the season.
g)
Compliance
Those non-compliances relating to physical conditions that
adversely affect the treatment of youth with respect to their health and safety
may be considered for further action under Section 3-15-2(b) of the Unified
Code of Corrections.
h)
Variances
Variances connected with physical requirements may be granted
by the Director of the Department for existing facilities. Variance expiration
dates will be determined at the time granted. Variance requests of an
administrative nature will not be granted. In determining whether to grant a
variance, the Department will consider, among other factors, the nature of the
standard, previous noncompliance, the cost, the population, the alternative
means of complying with the intent of the standard, the consequences if the
variance is not granted, and the safety and security of the facility or
individuals.
1) The variance request
must be in writing and pertain to a specific standard. The request must
describe the reasons for the variance; the period of time for the variance; any
hardship the facility might experience by complying with the standard; plans to
be implemented to eventually comply with the particular standard; and a
statement that the variance would not adversely affect the health and safety of
youth or security of the facility.
2) The approval or denial of a variance
request will be returned by letter to the requesting governmental
agency.
3) The Director of the
Department may grant a renewal of the variance provided documentation is
received from the governing body that indicates a good faith effort on their
part to effect necessary actions to comply with the standard in
question.
4) A permanent variance,
depending on the circumstances, may be granted.
